generators and change over switches

[Isetech]

As pointed out by GCE, according to the regs it is illegal, however in reality it is a very common practice, sadly as common as the suicide cord, still being used no matter how dangerous it is.

Thanks for that answer Isetech
And that's exactly what I will be doing.connecting a 6 KVA Hennie to the db.i have seen however that many guys do not split the db. But
Inform the user (homeowner) to switch off the stove and geysers before switching to the generator.this is not acceptable?

[Isetech]

If the DB is split, the breaker and cabling feeding the changeover switch would be suitable for the generator capacity. If it is a 5 kva , we would use 20 amp combo breaker feeding a 32/40 amp changeover switch a 4 mm 4 core plus earth surfix cable, red and black for supply, yellow and blue with red and black heat shrink for the generator supply.

A 5 kva generator connected where the DB is not split, We install a 60 amp breaker with 16 mm wire and a 60 amp manual changeover switch in a panel next to the meter box. We then fit a plug top below the changeover panel to connect the generator, which goes into a 20 amp combo breaker then into the changeover switch. the output of the changeover has 16 mm wire feeding the DB. We also fit a volt/ammeter in the change over switch so that the owner can check the current and voltage to decide what load he requires to run at any point.


The 20 amp breaker will automatically disconnect if the supply is exceeded.

Means shall be provided to automatically disconnect such
parts of the installation, as may be necessary if the capacity of the alternative
supply is exceeded